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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Usually I don't write posts like this - I don't often make resolutions beyond the generic "I'm going to exercise more this year!" and "I'm going to procrastinate less!" - but this year I have a few resolutions that are more specific and (hopefully) attainable. By sharing them here, I'm hoping that people will actually hold me accountable for them. (So if, for example, you spot me taking the escalator at the Porter T station, feel free to yell at me. But make sure you know it's actually me, or it'll be an awkward situation for everyone involved.)

Resolution #1: Kickbox.
Awhile ago, I tried out a few classes at the gym where Joel kickboxes - Redline Fight Sports - and I enjoyed them. In fact, the last time I was there (a month or two ago, maybe) I actually bought a pass to attend ten classes, none of which I have attended yet.In an effort to get in shape and not waste the money I already spent, I will attend at least one class per week. At this rate, I should be done with my class pass by mid-March, at which point I'll decide whether or not to buy more classes - or a membership - or try out a different gym.

Resolution #2: Stop being lazy at Porter.
On a typical weekday, I tend to find myself leaving the Porter T station at least once, sometimes twice. There are a lot of stairs. I almost always take the escalator. Unless I'm carrying a lot of heavy stuff or wearing uncomfortable shoes, there's really no excuse not to trudge up the stairs, especially during rush hour when there's actually a line to get on the escalator. A line. For the escalator. I feel like a lazy sheep when I stand in line. In 2011, I will take the stairs for at least half of my trips out of the Porter station and all of my trips out of other stations. By March, I should be taking the stairs all of the time.After that, I'll start tackling the eight flights up to my office. (I'll continue taking the escalator down into the station, though. On a busy weekday morning, I enjoy the minute and a half of nothingness that standing on the long escalator provides, busy people rushing past me hoping to not have to wait the extra two or three minutes for the next train if they miss this one.)

Resolution #3: Tackle the cookbook pile.
Over the last few months, I've accumulated a lot of new cookbooks. Some have been sent to me for review purposes, others I've bought for myself, and others have been given as gifts. I've barely had a chance to try them out. Starting in January, I will make at least one somewhat elaborate meal a week from my stack of new cookbooks.

Resolution #4: Bring lunch.
I started my current job in early September, and I have not brought lunch a single time. I've subsisted on cafeteria food and a rotation of Longwood's limited fast food options, particularly Au Bon Pain and Boloco. There's no reason I can't go to Shaw's on Sundays and prepare lunch for at least Monday and Tuesday. I will bring lunch to work at least twice a week from now on.

Alright, I think that's all for the moment, but I might come up with a few more in the coming days. What are your resolutions? Do you go all out and come up with extraordinary resolutions that you're unlikely to keep, or do you keep it moderate and choose things you might actually be able to do? I think that each of these resolutions is reasonable and do-able, so we'll see what happens.

Every time I try to do the steps at Porter, I get halfway up and ask myself what on earth was I thinking!?! And packing your lunch can lend itself to cool lunchtime Twit pics! :-) Now, all I have to do now is figure out how to get in on that free cookbook action!

And once you're halfway up, there's no escape! (...unless you want to hurdle over onto the escalator!) I actually wrote this post over the weekend and brought lunch this Monday and Tuesday, so I'm already making progress on that resolution :) The cookbooks started coming out of the blue, and I don't even cook that much. Keep writing...they'll come eventually!

These are awesome resolutions! Good luck :) I would love to try real kickboxing classes too (I go to kickboxing at my gym but that is more cardio, and less martial arts-y). The stairs at Porter are killer, those would make a good workout too!

I think those resolutions are definitely attainable. I used to walk up 5 flights to my office, but somehow I've decided it's not necessary anymore. I really should get back into it. Also, I've been wasting money on a gym membership for almost a year now... I need to go or get rid of the membership.

@Bianca - Real kickboxing is AWESOME! (Cardio kickboxing can be fun, but you really start to feel powerful when you take the martial arts-style classes.) They let you try a free class at Redline - let me know if you're ever planning on going, and I'll go with you!

@Megan - Sooo easy to waste money on gym memberships. I saw an interesting deal with Planet Fitness recently where it was free IF you went a minimum of 4 days a week, 30 minutes each time (or a preset minimum higher than that) - but you were fined a preset amount (had to be at least $25) for missing a day. The money went towards a program that provided gym memberships for people who couldn't afford them. Pretty interesting program!

I love your cookbook one. I think I might have to do that as well. I have so many great ones, with stories behind them. It would be a great way to try out a whole lot of new dishes! I hope to catch up with you soon!